There’s enough evidence to show that excellent forecasts or warnings do not provide excellent value unless they travel “the last mile” to the decision maker who understands the information and is therefore enabled to make an appropriate decision. The “last mile” represents a challenge to ensuring the benefit of our operational work realises its value. What happens though if there is conflicting information in the public or sector sphere? How can the critical choices be made when there is uncertainty in the source, reliability or trustworthiness of the information?

We’ll explore some examples, discuss the future and suggest an outline of how emerging products can be nurtured in a way to minimise any mixed messages.

Biography:

With over 20 years of experience at the Bureau, James has held key leadership roles across both state and national operational functions of the Bureau, providing and refining the delivery of operational weather services. He was a founding member of the Community Services Group Operations Leader position where he supported the establishment of the role that leads the Bureau’s 24/7 service operations.
In recent years, James has managed the Marine and Antarctic team within the Environmental Prediction program. His team delivers critical products and services across Antarctic, tides, oceans, tsunami, marine and coastal hazards, to support sectors such as Government (eg Defence, Australian Antarctic Division), maritime transport, emergency management, and the broader Australian community.